Our Small Angle Scattering Core provides state of the art instrumentation and expertise for the acquisition and interpretation of X-ray and neutron scattering data from proteins, protein complexes and assemblies in solution, as well as necessary associated facilities for protein production and biochemical and biophysical characterization.  We have “in house” capabilities for X-ray solution scattering (at the University of Utah and University of Sydney), and use neutron scattering facilities at the OPAL Research Reactor at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO).

Each protein or protein assembly being studied requires extensive characterization first with X-ray scattering to establish that the systems meet the stringent requirements for solution scattering: monodisperse identical particles and the ability to either approximate dilute solution conditions or to acquire data over a range of concentrations and extrapolate to the infinite dilution condition.  This work is primarily be performed at the University of Utah to facilitate the close interactions required with the HIV protein biochemistry expertise.  Once these conditions are established and we have learned all that we can from the X-ray experiments, neutron contrast variation experiments on the complexes targeted for study can be planned and implemented using the resources available at the University of Sydney.

Neutron contrast variation studies require the preparation of relatively large amounts (10-20 mg) of highly purified, deuterated protein components.  This work is done at the University of Sydney where we have extensive, modern laboratory facilities for fermentation, protein expression and purification, and biochemical and biophysical characterization.  We also have access to inexpensive sources of heavy water (enrichments in the range 97-99.95% ²H) through Dr Trewhella’s association with the Bragg Institutes at ANSTO.  The existing X-ray scattering facilities at Sydney will be used to evaluate any potential effects of deuteration on the solution behavior of the systems to be studied.